Practice Suggestions for Learning How to Play Sixteenth Notes

In Lesson 4 we learned how to subdivide the beat into two equal parts with eighth notes and eighth rests. The patterns in Lesson 8 give you practice material to learn how to play sixteenth notes in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time.

The patterns in this lesson all include sixteenth notes, which divide the quarter note beat into four equal parts, creating a quadruple subdivision. For some of the patterns in this lesson, MetronomeBot will count the quadruple subdivisions (1 - e - and - a).

Sixteenth notes do not mean that you should play as fast as you can. The speed of the music is determined by the tempo which is indicated by the beats per minute. Start each pattern slowly and avoid trying to play as fast as possible.

To better feel the pulse of the music, lightly tap your foot on every beat.

Always count the beats and the quadruple subdivisions of each beat for all of these patterns:
(1 - e - and - a - 2 - e - and - a - 3 - e - and - a - 4 - e - and - a)

Count strongly and clearly and use a metronome to make sure that you are performing the rhythms accurately.

Fundamentals of Rhythm book

If you would like all of this information in book format so that you can put it on your music stand and practice it wherever you go, get The Fundamentals of Rhythm, by Kyle Coughlin. The book includes all of the lesson information and practice exercises found on the website.